Fire Island gears up for Pines Party 2026 – here’s what to expect

One of the premier events of the summer in the gay getaway of Fire Island in New York is the annual Pines Party. This year’s event is set to return from Friday, July 31 to Sunday, August 2.

The Pines Party dates back to 1999, though it was inspired by gatherings that go even further back. A fundraiser called The Morning Party debuted in The Pines in 1983. It was inspired by a previous community fundraiser called Beach ‘79.

The Morning Party was launched to raise money for Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC). It ran until 1998.

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However, this left a void in the Fire Island summer calendar. A group of people who had come to love both the party and Fire Island decided to launch a new event. With the approval of the Fire Island Pines Property Owners Association (FIPPOA), the Pines Party was born. It launched with a lavish ‘Arabian Nights’ theme, with much of the party beneath large tents. Each year, a different theme is adopted, allowing party-goers to creatively plan their outfits in advance.

Evolution over the years

In the early 2010s, it went from a one-night affair to an all-weekend gathering. It has also evolved in other ways over the years, from having a “circuit” feel to more of a queer, house-music festival attracting a more diverse mix of party-goers.

Fundraising remains at its core. Over the past 27 years, it has raised $4.8 million for the Stonewall Community Foundation, The Pines Foundation, and, more recently, the Seashore Defense Fund. Ensuring litter is cleared up afterwards and the beach suffers no damage is of primary importance.

Altar Ego

The theme for this year’s event is ‘Altar Ego’.

Tim Dejsiriudom, Marketing Director for Pines Party, explained more on a call to GayCities.

He says the organizers recognize that those who attend Pines Party have a deeper experience than attending a straightforward dance party. They’re connecting with a richer queer history and sense of community. For some, it’s almost spiritual, and the organizers wanted to acknowledge that.

“It’s about really going for the myths, legends, and ritual of ancient culture,” Dejsiriudom says. Beyond this, it’s about recognizing queer culture also has traditions which are passed down from generation to generation.

“An example would be flagging, or flag dancing,” he says.

The promotional program offers promises that Pines Party 2026 will be, “A place where ritual becomes transformation. A haven where possibility feels tangible. A reason to celebrate who we’ve been, honor who we are, and imagine what comes next. Come as the God you are or the version you desire.”

Attendees will have their opportunity to interpret the Altar Ego theme in whatever way they wish over the course of the weekend. It includes a Friday evening VIP ticket-holders reception; a Saturday pool party; the main Alter Ego Beach Party which runs until 6am Sunday morning; the ‘Transcendence’ Sunday morning after-party; and the ‘Solaris’ closing party.

DJs across the weekend include Aaron Aanenson, Anthony Velez, Avalon Emerson, Rimarkable, Joey with the Mustache, Ana Matronic, David Harness, Shaun J Wright, Tedd Paterson and more.

As always, the organizing committee, which has about 45 members, wants to create a truly memorable and amazing experience for all who attend.

“I fell in love with it”

Does Dejsiriudom remember his first Pines Party?

“I do,” he says. “I think it was 2014. The theme was South Pacific.”

Dejsiriudom went with a friend and had little idea what to expect.

“I didn’t even know what Fire Island was at the time. I just heard of something fun happening, and we just went along with my friends. We changed into our costumes, and then we went to this big party, and I was just in shock at the production. It was just quite magical for me. Especially the sunrise. That was really something I would never forget. And after the main events, I walked along the boardwalk to the harbour, and it was one of those things where it was just the most calming, serene experience I’ve ever had. I fell in love with it.”

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